Are you frustrated with constant fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? Discover these simple yet effective cleaning tips to restore their shine and keep them looking brand new! A few years back, we decided to upgrade our kitchen by replacing our black appliances with sleek stainless steel ones. I was overjoyed at the thought of a brighter, more contemporary kitchen! However, my excitement quickly turned to dismay when I realized how easily these appliances attracted smudges and fingerprints, particularly our stainless steel refrigerator. Just when I started to regret our choice, I stumbled upon a fantastic cleaning method that changed everything! Not only is it straightforward to clean your stainless steel appliances, but you can also keep them virtually smudge and fingerprint-free.
I generally aim to clean my stainless steel appliances once a week during my regular kitchen cleaning routine. However, a good rule of thumb is to do this at least once a month for optimal maintenance. This approach has proven to be the most effective way to keep everything looking tidy without excessive scrubbing.
What You’ll Need
- Lemon Vinegar Cleaner or Dawn Powerwash
- Olive Oil (the same kind you use for cooking)
- Microfiber Cloths (I highly recommend these from Amazon!)
How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
STEP 1: Begin by adding a small amount of lemon vinegar cleaner (a mix of white vinegar, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle) to a clean microfiber cloth.
STEP 2: Gently rub the cloth along the direction of the grain to eliminate food particles, grease, and smudges. If you notice any residue, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth or simply let the surface air dry.
STEP 3: Once the stainless steel surface is clean, pour a small amount of olive oil onto a dry cloth and wipe it down, always following the grain.
STEP 4: Finally, use a clean, soft cloth to polish the surface and remove any excess oil, leaving a beautiful shine.
Why I Avoid Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners
I tend to steer clear of store-bought stainless steel cleaning products due to their harsh chemicals. Additionally, many of them can be overly abrasive and potentially scratch the surface of your appliances, which is something I want to avoid at all costs.
Can You Use Other Oils?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can also use baby oil or mineral oil as alternatives.
Free Weekly Cleaning Printable
Streamline your home cleaning routine with our free Weekly Cleaning Printable, designed to help you clean your home in under 30 minutes a day!
Helpful Tips
- For best results, use a clean microfiber cloth instead of paper towels to avoid leaving behind pesky lint.
- Avoid circular motions; always clean in the direction of the grain.
- Applying a bit of olive oil not only enhances the shine but also acts as a barrier against fingerprints.
- If you encounter stubborn stains, consider starting with DIY Dawn Powerwash, applying a little extra elbow grease as needed.
- Check out how to remove water spots using some of these same techniques.
- While you can use mild dish soap, opt for one with a grease-fighting formula for tougher stains.
- Since there are different types of stainless steel, it’s wise to test a small area on your appliance before cleaning the entire surface.
How Often Should I Clean Stainless Steel Appliances?
For optimal results, I recommend incorporating this cleaning process into your regular cleaning schedule. However, if you conduct deep cleaning every 3-4 weeks, that timeframe works well for us.
More Cleaning Tips and Hacks
- How to Properly Clean a Kitchen Sink
- 10 Clever Tips for Cleaning with Baking Soda
- How to Clean with Essential Oils
- 7 Homemade Cleaners That Really Work
What should you not use on stainless steel? Avoid abrasive sponges like steel wool, scratchy powders (e.g., Bar Keepers Friend), and cleaners containing ammonia, such as glass cleaner (Windex).
How can I get my stainless steel looking like new? By following the simple steps outlined above and using olive oil, you can easily eliminate fingerprints and restore the original shine of your stainless steel appliances.
Bir yanıt yazın